An Inconvenient Mistress, page 20
His hands were yanking pins from her hair, and Bella heard them scatter as they hit the floor. Fingers tangled in her loose hair, gently tugging her head back, and heat exploded in her. She felt her mouth softening for him, encouraging him, answering him. Bella heard a moan and realized it was hers.
The soft sound seemed to spur something in Phillip. The hand tangled in her hair drifted lower, sweeping down the length of her back, sending a thrill through her entire body. It trailed farther south to cup her bottom, pressing her firmly into his hips, his arousal. A white-hot jolt shot through her and she was suddenly voracious. She kissed him hard, eager, determined, blocking out anything but the feel of him against her body, the taste of him in her mouth.
She hadn’t even known they were moving until her hips brushed against something behind her. The table. Bella felt his body shift, felt his hands draw back, his kiss suddenly distracted. She missed his heat. Two large hands grabbed her waist and hoisted her up, settling her on the smooth wood. Phillip dragged her skirts up past her knees, and his large body nudged her thighs apart. He stepped between them and pulled her close.
Then he began kissing her with a ferocity, a determination that should have frightened her. More frightening, however, was the intense need that seared through her. She let her fingers slide from his hair, over his gloriously broad shoulders, down his lean back, across his narrow hips, his perfect derriere. She pulled him hard into her, wrapping her legs around his hips.
Phillip made a throaty sound, something very close to a purr. His hands left her waist. One tangled in her hair while the other moved to her breast, flitting across the outer swell. A finger skated lightly, teasingly, over the soft curve. When his finger brushed against her nipple, reverently, Bella thought she might burst into flame.
She was so caught up in the pleasure of his touch that it hardly registered that his clever fingers were working the buttons of her bodice. A moment later she heard the hiss of fabric tearing and felt the cool air against her naked flesh. She looked down to see her dress torn and her breast bare. Before she could complain, his free hand was stroking the sensitive skin, kneading and teasing until Bella thought she might die from the pleasure of it.
Phillip broke the kiss, and Bella murmured a protest, missing his lips. The hand in her hair pulled gently, forcing her to lift her chin. His mouth was on her neck, kissing, nibbling, licking, driving her beyond rational thought. He traced a slow, sweet path down the column of her throat, branding her with his lips, his tongue. At the base of her neck he nibbled and sucked and gnawed until heat poured through her veins like liquid fire.
Bella couldn’t contain the “Oh God” that escaped her lips as he nuzzled her neck. He didn’t need any encouragement, she realized, as his head dropped to her breast. Bella felt anticipation build as he sprinkled warm kisses over the soft swell, then ran his tongue down to her nipple. Her breasts suddenly felt too hot, too heavy. When he laved the sensitive peak her eyelids fluttered shut and she instinctively arched into him, flagrantly inviting him to take more.
He did.
Phillip took her nipple into his mouth, sucking very gently. Bella groaned at the sensation, feeling dizzy, thankful to be perched on the table. She couldn’t have stood if she wanted to. The hand at her waist now moved slowly north to tease her other breast, torturing her as his finger danced. Her hands, which had been stroking his back, his flanks, slid up to nestle in his hair as he suckled her. He drew her breast into his mouth, hard, and she gasped her pleasure as sparks danced across the backs of her eyelids. She felt a hand tugging at the hem of her gown and Bella sobbed with an unfamiliar need.
As if in answer to her unspoken question, she felt his fingers sweep high against the soft skin of her thighs, still higher, grazing her soft, hidden curls. A knuckle gently brushed against the folds of her femininity and her thoughts splintered. A long, wicked finger circled her entrance then slowly slid into her with deliberate intent. Her eyes shot wide and her hips bucked slightly in response to his invasion, driving his finger deeper. She tried to speak, but her protests strangled in her throat as he began stroking her inner core, playing her body like a virtuoso.
It felt so good, so deliciously wicked, that Bella couldn’t remember what she’d been about to tell him. Phillip murmured something that sounded like approval and a moment later he’d withdrawn, much to Bella’s disappointment.
She was busy kissing him, almost gnawing on his lips, vaguely aware that he was fumbling between them. He lifted her knees, hooking her legs around his hips. Bella frowned slightly at the sudden realization that his erection was poised at her entrance. Before she could stop him, he kissed her hard and gripped her hips. An instant later, she gasped in shock, the sound caught by his lips.
Phillip stilled, buried to the hilt in her. His every muscle locked, as though he were fighting for control. He pulled his head back to get a good look at her, his sleepy green eyes filled with confusion and wonder. “Holy hell,” he panted.
All the sweet urgency had evaporated. Instead of the drowsy, heated pleasure, Bella felt...strangely full. She could see Phillip trying to puzzle through what had just happened, and when he opened his mouth to address the problem at hand, he went with the obvious. “You’re a virgin?” he asked in a gravelly voice, more to himself than to her.
“Well, I was,” she drawled, all her attention concentrated on the spot where they were so oddly joined.
“How?” he asked, sounding as shocked as she was.
She shifted instinctively, drawing a little hiss from Phillip. Much to her relief, he seemed to lose his train of thought.
“I wish I’d known, sweetheart,” he whispered hoarsely.
Bella nodded. “Mea culpa. I didn’t realize what followed kissing. To be perfectly honest,” she said in a weak attempt at humor, “I was not expecting...this.”
Phillip’s breath caught and he closed his eyes. He wasn’t expecting this either, though for different reasons. It was difficult to process, especially since he was in the sweetest, tightest, hottest...
Focus, he told himself. His body was on fire, and every fiber of his being screamed at him to move. Yet one look at Bella’s nervous face and he forced himself to stay still. He should probably apologize, he realized, though at the moment he felt too good to feel terribly guilty.
Bella was looking at him expectantly. “So what do we do now?”
Before he could formulate a response, Bella shifted again and scattered any coherent thought he may have had.
“Stop moving,” he grated out.
“There seems to be a knot in the wood,” she complained.
The fact that she was noticing imperfections in his table was a sad statement about his performance thus far. He wanted her panting and moaning as she had earlier. Getting her off the table seemed a good start. His hands stroked down the length of her back until he cupped her sweetly rounded derriere. Lifting her, taking her weight in his palms, he tried in vain to block out the sweet sensation of her tightening even more around him
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Hold on to my shoulders,” he bit out. She frowned suspiciously but did as he said. He stood up straight and nearly forgot his purpose. He blindly managed the few steps to his bunk and laid her on the mattress, following her down. Resting his weight on his forearms, Phillip was grateful for the shock of pain in his injured shoulder that cleared his head...momentarily.
He asked, “Better?”
“Well, my backside feels better, thank you,” she muttered. “But I can’t think this is good for your shoulder. Are we done soon?”
He chuckled mirthlessly. “Sooner than you think.”
She made a little sound of irritation. “I don’t know what you could possibly find funny at a time like this.”
“Virgin humor,” he returned dryly. “Do you think you might kiss me again, sweetheart? It will help you enjoy it more.” At her skeptical expression, he said, “I promise.”
Hesitantly, almost shyly, she lifted her lips to his. It was the most erotic experience of Phillip’s life, that innocent kiss while he was thrust deep inside where no other had ever been. He’d never been a particularly possessive lover, yet somehow the realization that he was the only man to have her sent a satisfied thrill through him. He shrugged it off and concentrated on the fragrant bundle of woman beneath him.
She hitched her hips to get more comfortable and grunted in frustration. Phillip felt himself throbbing, impossibly hard, and tried to distract himself. He leaned on his good arm and let his free hand wander over her neck, her breast—caressing, coaxing, enticing. He murmured against her lips, kissing her with all the hunger he was feeling.
Soon enough his patience was rewarded. Her kisses became more confident, more insistent, and Bella relaxed around him, even hitching her hips a little to meet him. He drew back slightly and pressed gently forward. “Is that all right?” he asked, praying she wouldn’t ask him to stop.
Bella appeared dazed. “I don’t know,” she said hoarsely. He did it again and she made a delightful squeak. “I think...I think I like that.”
“Thank god,” he muttered.
Phillip desperately wished he’d stripped her bare. He wanted to feel all that creamy, untouched skin pressed against him. He wanted to taste and nibble and explore. His fingertips skated across her nipple and Bella groaned sweetly before her hands reached up to bracket his cheeks.
Her body softened for him and Phillip realized in frustration that he was fast approaching the point of no return. Usually gratifying his partner increased his own pleasure, so he firmly believed the phrase “Ladies first.” Yet as he moved inside Bella again, and then again, he knew there was no control, no stopping, no thought to her pleasure. No thought period. It was all he could do to ride the rising swell, the impending, blissful release.
He broke in soul-shattering glory. Consumed by overwhelming sensation, his climax was so fierce that it bordered on violent. His entire body tensed and Phillip hardly recognized that he groaned his pleasure and gratitude against her lips.
“Bella,” he managed to gasp at the end as he collapsed on top of her. “I had no idea... I’ll make it up to you,” he babbled. “I promise...next time...”
His eyelids were getting heavy, and he gave into the temptation to roll over and pull her into his arms. It felt so good to close his eyes, her warm, lithe weight drawn against him. He wanted nothing more than to peel that ugly dress off her and explore every inch of her delectable body. But first he needed to gather his strength.
A moment later, he was snoring peacefully.
Chapter Twelve
Phillip returned to consciousness feeling loose-limbed and indescribably content. The light scent of Bella’s perfume beckoned him. He stretched carefully, not wanting to disturb her. A surge of giddy delight washed over him—she was his. Only his.
He really should feel guilty, he mused, but somehow he couldn’t quite muster up the sensation. In truth, he realized, she’s the one who should feel guilty. She’d lied to him—again! Clearly Miss Isabella North had some explaining to do.
Reaching out to gather her close, Phillip frowned. He slid his hands across the bunk to discover nothing but cool, empty sheets.
Sitting up, he scrubbed his face with his hands and scanned his cabin. Bella was nowhere to be found. His frown deepened. He’d never had a woman leave his bed before. Clearly he’d given her a poor first impression of the act.
If he didn’t feel so damned good he’d feel miserable. He’d just had the most erotic experience of his life, yet his partner had fled. That it was Bella made it that much worse. She’d be near impossible to convince if she decided against a repeat performance.
The thought was intolerable.
Phillip was furious—both with himself and with her. If she’d simply trusted him more, last night would have been different. Instead, he was going to have to chase her down and demand the truth before seducing her properly.
Phillip rose and straightened his clothes, considering his options. Of course, he could just leave her—and her lies—alone. She’d already proved herself more trouble than she was likely worth. Besides, he reasoned, Bella wouldn’t be as easily seduced as the other women he’d bedded. She clearly didn’t trust him, and most of the time she didn’t seem to particularly like him. Knowing how stubborn the little stick was, he had no doubt that she’d make the task damned near impossible.
The thought of her, naked, popped into his mind. Phillip sighed in frustration. There was no question he’d pursue her. Like it or not, she was his. No matter how aggravating she was, he knew instinctively that he’d devote the rest of their time aboard the Intrepid to convince her to give him another go.
He’d do whatever it took to entice Miss Isabella North back into his bed.
* * *
It wasn’t hard to track her down. There were few places for her to hide, after all. The sun had only begun setting, and Phillip knew Bella was too restless to turn in to her cabin before nightfall. Sure enough he found her in the infirmary, busying herself by sorting through Sully’s assorted potions and ingredients. He slipped in quietly, but even before he spoke, he saw her back grow rigid.
This may be tougher than he’d thought.
Bella turned to greet him, and warmth suffused his entire being. Phillip wondered if he would ever be able to look at her again without feeling a rush of pleasure.
“Captain,” she greeted him coolly. “Are you looking for Dr. Sullivan?”
Phillip’s nascent smile dropped. Impudent little baggage—acting as though she hadn’t been panting in his arms a few hours ago. “Actually, I was looking for you, sweetheart,” he said, letting his annoyance color his tone.
She returned to her task without a word, though he noticed her hand was trembling. “Oh?” she finally asked, her tone terribly bored.
Sully came out of his cabin and smiled broadly at Phillip. “You’re looking well-rested, my boy,” he chirped happily. “Glad to see you’ve spent some time abed.”
To his delight, Phillip noticed the backs of Bella’s ears were turning scarlet. “Indeed,” he agreed smoothly. “Bed agrees with me.”
“May I take a look?” Sully asked, gesturing to Phillip’s shoulder.
“Later, if you don’t mind,” Phillip said blandly. “I’d like a word with Bella.”
Bella shook her head but didn’t turn to face him. “I’m not available. Very busy.”
“I’m sure your task can wait,” Phillip said in his most agreeable tone. “I’d very much like to talk to you, Miss North. Privately.”
Sully offered, “I can go.”
Phillip said, “Yes,” at the same instant Bella turned and shouted, “No!”
Phillip could read hope in the doctor’s eyes. The old codger thought this was a marriage proposal. If he didn’t feel guilty before for breaking his promise to wait, he sure as hell did now.
“I’m quite certain anything you have to say to me can be said in front of Sully,” Bella said tightly.
Why the little—If Isabella North thought he was too much a gentleman to discuss their lovemaking in front of Sully, she was sorely mistaken.
“It’s in regards to the matter of Charles’s parentage,” Phillip warned her.
“Oh,” Sully said, looking interested and uncomfortable simultaneously. “I probably should go,” he offered.
“There is nothing to discuss,” Bella persisted.
“It’s recently come to my attention that the scrap isn’t Bella’s son,” he blurted impatiently. “I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise. She’s been lying to me this whole trip. Unless,” he glared at Bella, “you’re going to next tell me it was an Immaculate Conception? Because I’ve got to be honest, sweetheart, I’m going to be difficult to convince.”
She looked ready to skewer him.
At her stony silence. Phillip shrugged. “Well, at least if you’re not talking you’re not lying.”
Sully looked at Bella in disbelief. “Bella?” he asked.
“Charles is my nephew,” she confirmed.
Sully looked at each of them in turn and shook his head. “You two are perfect for each other.” Phillip opened his mouth to argue, but Sully cut him off. “You’re more of a bloody pirate than you care to admit,” Sully accused. Turning to Bella, he stated softly, “As for you, young lady, it sounds like you have some explaining to do. Now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Of course,” Bella grumbled. Tossing a roll of dressing into a small drawer, she said sourly, “Have a good evening, doctor.”
Guilt niggled again at Phillip—though not nearly enough for him to regret seducing her. It was all he could do not to gloat as she floated past him and out the door. He turned to follow, feeling more than a little triumphant. His victory was cut short by Doctor Sullivan’s voice behind him.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Sully said blackly.
Phillip frowned at that. He turned back and considered his friend. Sully looked genuinely concerned, though whether it was for Bella or for him he wasn’t sure. “We’ll figure it out before it gets too complicated.”
Sully sighed heavily but nodded, and Phillip moved to follow Bella. As he was leaving the cabin, Phillip thought he heard the doctor mutter, “Too late for that.”
Phillip chased after Bella, his nerves singing with anticipation and uncertainty. Getting the cold shoulder so quickly after seducing a new lover was an entirely novel experience—it usually happened after he’d decided to set them aside...once they’d started getting clingy and jealous.
